US Airways Express pilots join forces
PHOENIX (AP) -- US Airways Express pilots working for different contractor airlines have formed an alliance to push for better contracts and job security.
The pilots work for Air Wisconsin, Colgan, Mesa Air Group, Piedmont Airlines, PSA Airlines and Trans States Airlines.
All six groups are in contract negotiations with their companies. All of them belong to the Air Line Pilots Association, which said Friday that the groups would share information and set common goals for negotiations.
Pilots complain that airlines shift flying among regional airlines to save money, which creates winners and losers among the pilots. Union President John Prater said members "will not be whipsawed against one another by undercutting our peers."
US Airways contracts with other airlines to operate its regional flights under the US Airways Express brand. Regional carriers have come under scrutiny for low pay and difficult working conditions since a Continental Connection flight operated by Colgan crashed last year near Buffalo, N.Y., killing 50 people.